Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ida in 2021. Cabins reopened November 2024. The marsh boardwalk remains closed at this time.
Updated 11/01/2024
62883 Hwy. 1089
Mandeville, LA 70448
United States
Site is open daily.
Gate Opening Times:
Sunday through Thursday
- open at 7 a.m.
- close at 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
- open at 7 a.m.
- close at 9 p.m.
Entrance Station Hours:
Sunday through Thursday
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
- 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
$3 per person
Free for seniors (62 & older)
Free for children (3 & under)
The crumbling brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, founder of the nearby town of Mandeville, suggest an interesting history for this site, and indeed there is. The wealthy Marigny developed this area across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans as a sugar plantation until 1852. The plantation income helped support his lavish lifestyle. He named his large landholding Fontainebleau after the beautiful forest near Paris, a favorite recreation area of the French kings.
The 2,800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. On a clear day, visitors can see the lake dotted with multi-colored sailboats of all sizes and types. The sandy beach also is a delight for sunbathers. An old railroad track that runs through the park has been converted into the Tammany Trace as a part of the Rails to Trails program. It is a wonderful route for cycling, hiking and in-line skating. After a full day of activities, overnight guests can enjoy the rustic charm of the campground or the scenic setting of the lakefront cabins.
The park's nature trail is a favorite of nature lovers. Interpretive signs along the trail will help you identify many of the common trees and shrubs. Always be on the lookout for birds and other animals, as over 400 different species live in and around Fontainebleau. Bordered on three sides by water – Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine – and characterized by a convergence of diverse ecosystems, it has a multitude of habitats for birds.
Features
Nearby Fontainebleau State Park
A $4.5 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.
$33/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$30/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Apr-Sept
$25/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs, Oct-Mar
For Scouts and organized groups: $35 per night for 25-person site, $60 per night for 50-person site.
Available through the National Park Service.
Holders of the Passes, whose state of residence also honors the America the Beautiful pass, are entitled to a 50% reduction on camping fees at Louisiana State Parks. (Passport holders are allowed one site per passport).
Reservable Facilities
A $4.5 non-refundable fee will be assessed on each reservation transaction made online, via phone, or as a walk-in.
Cabins/Lodges/Group Camp: Basic cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware, towels and linens are provided. Bring your own food and personal supplies; group camp visitors will also need to bring their own dishes, silverware, towels and linens.
$150/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs
$175/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$155/night plus tax, Sun-Thurs
$210/night plus tax, Fri-Sat
$600/night plus tax
$300/night plus tax
$120/day
$160/day plus tax
$10/cart per day
$100 annual permit available.
Rental is free. All-terrain chair must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. Available for rent between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
(Departs from Fairview State Park, a short 10 mile drive away from Fontainebleau State Park). Enjoy a party barge cruise, explore the scenic river system, catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife along the river, stop at popular waterfront restaurants or bring your own picnic. For reservations, see the link below or call (985) 789-9602.
| Single Kayak | $35/2 hours | $50/4 hours | $65/6 hours |
| Tandem Kayak | $50/2 hours | $65/4 hours | $80/6 hours |
All-Inclusive Playground
The special playground provides multi-sensory play experiences enabling children of varying ages and abilities to play and interact together. The 7,300 square foot playground includes a number of special features from a safety surface, accessible ramps, a wheelchair accessible together glider, a tactile roller slide, inclusive swing seat and more.
Water Playground
Louisiana State Parks' water playgrounds operate Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the facilities will be closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance. Please contact the park directly, to confirm that the playground is open or for additional information.
Hiking
- 4.8-mile hiking trail
- 1-1/4 mile nature trail
Birding
A Birder's Guide to Louisiana gives directions to over 100 areas for birding throughout the state, includes maps, Louisiana specialties, and contains beautiful photography and checklists of Louisiana birds and other wildlife. The Guide was produced through a partnership between the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the American Birding Association.
Reports on Enslaved Peoples at Fontainebleau
One of two historic markers at the park note the place where slave cabins once stood on the grounds of the former plantation and the other is in memory of the Native Americans who lived in the area prior to European settlement.
Reports on each of the peoples, researched by Jackson Cantrell, a member of BSA Scout Troop 119, Istrouma Area Council, may be found at the below links, or at the park's Visitor Center.